Salary: $85,193.24 Annually
Location : Waukegan, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00533
Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 10/05/2026
General Description The Lake County Public Defender's Office represents indigent criminal defendants charged with crimes punishable by incarceration. The goal is to assure an excellent quality of legal representation that is not dependent on the wealth and status of the accused. Under the direction of the Public Defender, an Assistant Public Defender represents clients in court for arraignments, motions, trials, sentencing and all other related proceedings.
Essential Functions ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: - Provide legal representation, consultation, and advice to indigent clients charge with criminal offenses.
- Prepare a defense, perform legal research and analyze and apply legal principles, gather facts, and interview the client and witnesses.
- Work closely with clients, provide and discuss information, strategies, and developments.
- Write motions, pleadings, and present legal arguments.
- Prepare legal documentation and represent clients throughout the legal process.
- Litigate pretrial discovery and pretrial motions.
- Negotiate plea bargains.
- Conduct jury and bench trials.
Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required - Thorough knowledge of criminal law and procedure.
- Strong research, analysis, decision-making and negotiation skills.
- Ability to litigate criminal trials with aggressive motions practice and persuasive oral advocacy.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
- Knowledge of criminal law, the judicial system, court practices, and procedures.
- Ability to work under pressure with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Must have strong computer literacy.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:- A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited university.
- Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Illinois
Supplemental Information PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE POSITION:Requires mainly office work, involving standing or walking some of the time, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular basis, and high dexterity operating office equipment including a keyboard, phone, copier, etc. May be in front of a computer monitor for more than six (6) hours possible. The position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision and the ability to hear and speak to understand, respond to and build relationships with a diverse clientele.
Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.
The County offers an extensive benefits package to eligible employees including health, dental, vision, life insurance, pension, deferred compensation plans, and so much more! Below are resources for the County's current benefits.
You can find additional details on our benefits at and
